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Sports

Matt Borriello will lead Riverview High athletics into 2026-27 and beyond. He took over for Rod Dragash, who stepped down after nine years to spend more time with his family.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 6, 2026
Riverview High hits 'refresh' with new athletic director

At 26 years old, Matt Borriello has taken on a role held by people in their 40s or 50s at other high schools in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
In Denver, Colorado, Florida Premier FC SWFL played five matches in five days and came up one win short of a national title. It previously won the U.S. Club Soccer Florida Cup in May to qualify.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 5, 2026
Florida Premier finishes as the runner-up in a national soccer tournament

Florida Premier FC SWFL's U13 girls soccer team ultimately lost to FC Tampa Rangers in the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup.

  • East County
  • Sports
This fall will be the Ohio State Alumni Club of Sarasota-Manatee's 26th season hosting game-day watch parties at Captain Curt's on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 5, 2026
Alumni club cultivates community far from Ohio State campus

Through the power of fandom, the Ohio State Alumni Club of Sarasota-Manatee unites Buckeyes from various walks of life.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Molly Lynch, a rising sophomore outside/middle hitter, is one of a few talents returning for Braden River girls volleyball this fall. Last year's team was senior-heavy en route to the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 4, 2026
Braden River girls volleyball has to pick up the pieces

The road ahead will be rocky for the Pirates with so much lost production from last season.

  • East County
  • Sports
As a junior, Jacob Menard tied for 29th place individually at the 2025 FHSAA Class 3A state championship by shooting a 10-over-par 154 (76-78).
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 4, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacob Menard

The rising senior for Sarasota High boys golf will be a crucial piece of the Sailors' puzzle this fall.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Avarie Tholl and the Mustangs were 6-0 in FHSAA Class 6A-District 11 play last season en route to the district title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 3, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Avarie Tholl

The rising senior middle blocker is returning after a 51-block season in 2025 for Lakewood Ranch High girls volleyball.

  • East County
  • Sports
Liam Smith throws a pitch for Sarasota American against Keystone on Saturday. Twin Lakes Park — the home of Sarasota Little League — hosted the Florida Little League state tournament.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 30, 2026
Sarasota Little League 12U American All-Stars reach state tournament

Sarasota's run came to an end on the statewide stage after district and sectional titles.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Former Booker High wide receiver Tyren Hornes (right) is pictured dodging defenders in a game against Berkeley Prep during the 2025 season. The next generation of Tornadoes will have a new coach to lead them.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 29, 2026
Booker High School names new football coach

Lance Hoeltke will be the Tornadoes' third different coach in three years following Carlos Woods and Scottie Littles.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Carlos Woods, pictured here before the 2025 high school football season, was dismissed from Booker last week. He led the Tornadoes to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals in his year as coach.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 29, 2026
Former Booker High athletic director, football coach under investigation

Carlos Woods was dismissed last week after one season leading the football program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Emma LaRusso (left) and Braydon LaRusso (right) of Sarasota run Cards2Tuff with the mission of connecting to the community.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 29, 2026
Local siblings take modern approach to giving back

Braydon and Emma LaRusso are donating to charity through their Sarasota-based sports card business Cards2Tuff.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Henry Wainscott eyes first base with his throw during an around-the-horn drill at July 21 practice. He was one of 12 players who made up the 11U All-Stars — a team which finished 7-1 this summer.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 29, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League 11U All-Stars finish third at state tournament

The 11U team was the league's first to play at the state level since 2023.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jackson Snelling, standing at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, will be a crucial presence in the trenches for the Cougars as they try to defend their FHSAA Class 2A state title this season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 28, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jackson Snelling

Cardinal Mooney's four-star offensive tackle has nearly 30 scholarship offers entering his junior year.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Nick Myers of Lakewood Ranch orchestrates the Sarasota Paradise supporters' group's symphony of support. He conducts not with a baton, but a megaphone.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 28, 2026
'The Helm' is heard in Paradise

The Sarasota Paradise's supporters' group is present at every home match, bringing the noise from first to final minute.

  • East County
  • Sports
Trevion Dixon has an NFL connection through his uncle, Mike Jenkins, who was drafted 25th overall in 2008 by the Dallas Cowboys.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 27, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Trevion Dixon

The rising senior will play wide receiver for Braden River this fall in his second and final season of high school football.

  • East County
  • Sports
Carlos Woods (center) led Booker football to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals and a 12-2 record last season, but will not return for year two.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 24, 2026
Booker High dismisses athletic director, football coach

The 2025 season was Carlos Woods' first as coach of the Tornadoes after previously serving as defensive coordinator.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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